Riding bicycles is a vibrant aspect of what makes Colorado what it is today. With a large impact on the statewide economy, the citizens’ health, and the state’s tourism, Colorado would certainly be a different location without this activity.
The prevalence of bicycling as an activity, unfortunately, makes bicycle accidents all too common in Denver and surrounding areas. So, if you or a loved one were tragically injured in a Denver bicycle accident, the law firm of Dulin McQuinn Young can help.
Regardless of whether your bicycle accident was due to negligence from a motorist, we can work with you to help you get the maximum possible financial compensation in your case. Contact a Denver personal injury lawyer for legal representation.
Why Choose Our Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Your bicycle accident lawyer from Dulin McQuinn Young will do more than answer your legal questions. They will handle every aspect of your personal injury case from start to finish.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Ensuring you understand Colorado personal injury law as it applies to your claim;
- Handling all insurance company correspondence;
- Investigating your accident;
- Identifying the parties responsible for your injuries;
- Pursuing every avenue of compensation;
- Totaling your accident-related losses;
- Estimating your future accident-related needs;
- Demanding just compensation from the insurance company;
- Negotiating a fair settlement amount on your behalf; or
- Proceeding with a civil lawsuit and trial.
Dulin McQuinn Young will pay any upfront costs to settle or litigate your bicycle accident claim. We only collect our fees when we win compensation for you.
Call the Denver bicycle accident lawyers at Dulin McQuinn Young now to schedule your complimentary consultation. It is risk-free to learn more about how a Denver bicycle accident lawyer can help you.
Our Denver Injury Case Results
We are proud to represent injury victims in Denver and across Colorado with integrity and fierce dedication. Some notable settlements and verdicts we have secured on behalf of our clients include:
- $8,000,000 Settlement: Contested liability in catastrophic injury trucking case in Denver County, CO.
- $6,000,000 Settlement: Jury trial verdict against a commercial bus company in Denver County, CO.
- $3,000,000 Settlement: Contested liability in catastrophic injury against rideshare driver in Arapahoe County, CO.
“Anyone seeking counsel for personal injury claims, don’t hesitate to contact them. They are the best.”-D.D.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Resources On This Page
- How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Denver?
- Potential Injuries Sustained From A Bicycle Accident in Denver
- Getting Compensation for a Denver Bike Accident
- Statute Of Limitations In Colorado Bicycle Accident Cases
- Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations In Colorado Bicycle Accidents
- What to Do After a Denver Bicycle Accident
- Contact Us Today
How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Denver?
According to the CDOT and reporting by NPR affiliate KUNC, 8,052 bicycle crashes across Colorado from 2010 to 2019 were caused by a negligent motorist, not the bicycle rider. Additionally, 77.21% of all bicycle-related accidents where the bicyclist was not at fault lead to painful injuries.
Nationwide, at least 1,000 bicyclists die annually from crashes on the roads every year, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control. Bicycle-related deaths and injuries have an annual economic impact of $23 billion.
A Denver bicycle accident that stems from the negligence or inattentiveness of a third-party motorist can unfold in a few different ways:
- The driver does not see the bicyclist due to inattentive driving and hits them – often this occurs at intersections where the motorist was turning left or right
- The motorist hits the bicyclist while driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- The driver or passenger opens their car door, striking the bicyclist
- The driver runs a red light or does not observe the proper right of way, hitting the bicyclist
- The motorist was pulling a trailer or tractor-trailer via a hitch, which hits the bicyclist
And, in more uncommon cases, a bicyclist can hit a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or even another bicyclist and may also have a potential personal injury case. If you were hit by a bike while walking, a Denver pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help with your claim.
Here are some examples of other ways bicyclists can be negligently injured by those not operating a motor vehicle:
- A business or local government does not perform regular maintenance on a road or street, causing the cyclist to crash
- A dog breaks free from a leash or gated area and attacks the cyclist
- A pedestrian walks in front of the bicyclist, causing the rider to crash into them or something else to avoid hitting them, causing an accident
Potential Injuries Sustained From A Bicycle Accident in Denver
As an overwhelming majority of individuals in Denver bike accidents are injured, it’s helpful to understand what types of injuries an individual could sustain from a bicycle accident in Denver.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Broken and Fractured Bones
- Concussions and Whiplash
- Roadrash, Bruising, and Lacerations
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Even if the victim in question were wearing a bike helmet, that isn’t a guarantee of protection from getting injured.
If you have experienced any of the above as the result of your bicycle accident, it’s a good idea to consider reaching out to a trusted legal partner like our Denver bicycle accident attorneys to understand what your next steps should be.
Getting Compensation for a Denver Bike Accident
Compensation for a Denver bicycle accident depends on a variety of factors. The types and amount of compensation available following an accident is highly influenced by the following:
- The age of the victim;
- The victim’s prognosis for recovery;
- The severity of the injuries;
- If the victim is permanently disabled;
- If the victim is able to return to work or able to work at any occupation; and
- The total medical bills.
There are three types of compensation or damages available to bicycle accident victims. These are economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are losses with fixed dollar amounts such as:
- Doctor and hospital bills;
- Occupational and rehabilitative therapy;
- Mental health treatment;
- Lost wages;
- Lost earning potential; and
- Property damage.
Non-economic damages include compensation for subjective or personal losses that are hard to quantify.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages are rare and are awarded by the court. They are also called exemplary damages. Punitive damages are meant to “set an example of” or punish a company or individual for extremely reckless behavior or disregard for others.
Statute Of Limitations In Colorado Bicycle Accident Cases
In Colorado, the statute of limitations is generally two years for all incidents that do not involve the operation of a motor vehicle. If the bicycle accident directly relates to the operation of a motor vehicle, then individuals have three years to consult a car accident attorney in Denver and file their claim.
However, whether your case has a statute of limitations of two or three years, never delay in filing your case. Even starting with a small step, such as requesting a free consultation with our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers, is a great choice to get a handle on your case.
Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations In Colorado Bicycle Accidents
There are additional caveats to the abovementioned statute of limitations. For injuries that culminated in a wrongful death from the bicycle accident, the families who bring wrongful death cases still have two years from the time of death to bring that case – unless the death resulted from a hit-and-run accident. Vehicular homicides change the statute of limitations to four years from the time of death.
It is worth noting that only spouses or parents of unmarried children can bring a Denver wrongful death case within the first year of this statute of limitations. This eventually extends to potential heirs of the deceased after two years. However, no other family members outside those listed can bring a wrongful death suit if it occurs in a bicycle accident case. Reach out to our Denver bicycle accident attorneys for more guidance on your case.
What to Do After a Denver Bicycle Accident
We all want to live a healthy and active lifestyle while avoiding accidents. However, accidents happen.
If you are involved in a Denver bicycle accident, take the following actions to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Immediately call for police and medical assistance;
- Take down the responding officer’s badge number and ask when and where to pick up a copy of the police report;
- Get medical treatment right away. You could have injuries you cannot see such as a concussion or internal organ damage;
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident;
- Exchange information with the driver and take a photo of their insurance information, license plate, and driver’s license;
- Take down any eyewitness information;
- Take photographs of the scene and your surroundings. Take photos of any traffic lights, surveillance cameras, vehicle, and bicycle damage, and your injuries;
- Write down what happened as soon as possible before your memory fades; and
- Keep records and receipts of everything accident-related including insurance company correspondence, time off of work, and travel logs to and from medical appointments.
Speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer before making any statements to an insurance company. Anything you say could be used to deny or devalue your claim for compensation.
Denver Bicycle Injury Victims Choose The Law Firm Of Dulin McQuinn Young
Bicycle accidents in Denver can lead to personal injuries and hefty medical bills. Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky, but a Denver bicycle injury lawyer can fight for your legal rights and seek the financial compensation you deserve. Following traffic laws is essential for everyone’s safety on the road, just like using a map for a smooth journey.
Remember, you don’t have to face the challenges alone; a reliable law firm with Denver bicycle accident attorneys can be your co-rider, guiding you through the complexities of a bike accident case. Keep pedaling forward and claim your rightful place on the road while protecting your rights and seeking the fair compensation you need.
While no one wants to think about the experience of a loved one suffering or memories of the pain of your bicycle accident in Denver, it is important not to let that stop you from seeking justice in your case. That’s where the law firm of Dulin McQuinn Young can step in.
Our skilled and experienced Denver bicycle accident lawyers have gotten millions in successful settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our clients. Decades of experience allow us to successfully serve as a thorough legal consultant and guide in your case so that you can focus on your healing process.
So don’t wait – schedule your free, no-obligation Denver bicycle accident case review with us today. You’ll hear from a real team member within just 24 hours, guaranteed.